She chose the stage name Amara because of her complexion. Amara is a belly dancer with pale skin, blond hair and blue eyes. According to her, Amara means beautiful moon. “I felt like, with my pale skin, I was kind of along the line of moon-like,” she says.
When it comes to dinner time in Austin, there’s no need to get stuck in a food rut. Here, ORANGE’s Food and Drink staff dishes on their favorite meals in Austin.
For Austin natives Chris and Paul Grant, music isn’t just a pastime — it’s a lifestyle. After watching their father book gig after gig when they were children, the Grant brothers aren’t too surprised to find themselves co-running Junocat, a show promoting company that hosts local music events.
From features on celebrities like Russell Brand to photojournalism in Afghanistan, SXSW showcased a diverse selection of documentaries and biopics. This spring, get the popcorn ready and bring on the encore presentations.
With new bands cropping up every day, it’s easy to get lost in the clutter, but O Conqueror aims to buck that trend with standout publicity tactics and, more importantly, their own special blend of psychedelic blues.
“Trainwreck” is a quirky, enrapturing comedy about a woman named Amy and her life as a drinking, weed-smoking, casual sexual-encountering journalist. Oddly enough, the real star of “Trainwreck” is NBA athlete LeBron James.
As I stood in line, thumbing through the latest copy of the Chronicle to bide my time before the film, "BRAND: A Second Coming," I thought about the first time I had actually heard the name, “Russell Brand.” I was just shy of 14, glued to the television for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. I waited anxiously for a favorite celebrity to pop out from behind backstage, but was surprised to watch a man in tight, black clothes waltz out into the arena.
Call it “The Great South By Southwest Paradox.” A festival initially founded to shed light on local artists has slowly become overrun with superstars and big-budget sponsors. Its current form is unrecognizable from its humble beginnings. It was bound to happen, but don’t let that dissuade you from taking a chance on some of this city’s finest homegrown talent. Sometimes it pays to skip the three-hour lines, stop refreshing Drake’s Twitter and mosey into the charming dive bar you’ve been meaning to go to. You might find that your new favorite artist comes from your own city.
Whether you’re gearing up for a show, waiting in between sets or regaining your strength, finding a place to eat should be convenient but unforgettable. These spots around town are worth pausing the chaos, even if it’s just to grab-and-go.
Surrounded by music, lights and an electric energy, Ms P’s Electric Cock is just a few bites of fried chicken, waffles and truffle mac'n'cheese away from a happy belly.
Whether you are trying to get into every free show, or wondering what place has the best/cheapest eats, ORANGE editors will be on top of all the SXSW happenings. Check out our editors’ twitters as we keep you posted on our best and worst SXSW shenanigans.
More than 12,000 fans piled into Myers Stadium for the ATX Pro Challenge in February to watch exciting soccer and support the Austin Marathon. The Austin Aztex are about to kick off their 2015 season, and supporters came out to see a preview of their local United Soccer League team.
